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But an appeal has also gone out to dog owners to keep their pets on leads while on farmland after the number of deaths in the Cotswolds.

Although the peak time for attacks is from January to April recent reports, including a dog attack on sheep in Evenlode, have prompted an early warning to farmers and a plea to the public to report incidents to the police.

Gloucestershire Police’s Rural Crime Team coordinator PC Ashley Weller said: “Gloucestershire Police’s Rural Crime Team and supporting officers will take every sheep attack seriously. Any known culprits will be dealt with and compensation for the farmer will be sought under most circumstances.

“Although this is not just about the financial side of things, it’s about animal welfare. I’ve seen some heinous attacks on sheep over the years and some people still take no notice of our warnings.

According to figures from NFU Mutual, which insures three quarters of farmers, farm animals worth an estimated £55,000 were savaged by dogs in Gloucestershire in 2018 - double the year before.

NFU Mutual Senior Agent Alfred Bryant, based in Moreton-in-Marsh, said: “Dog attacks on farm animals can result in horrific and often fatal injuries. Even if a dog doesn’t make contact, the distress of the chase can cause sheep to die and miscarry their lambs.

“We are receiving increasing reports of out of control dogs being allowed off the lead, as well as pets escaping from homes and attacking sheep - either because their owners do not know or do not care that their dogs are roaming wild.

“Sheep are being killed and horribly mutilated by dogs and we are sadly all too aware of the heartbreak and distress that these attacks cause. We will be redoubling our efforts to raise awareness of the issue, and support police to bring owners of dogs that attack livestock to justice.”